Walking aid

ABSTRACT

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a walking aid including multi-handles is described.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure relates to walking aids, such as canes, for example.

2. Information

If an individual is beset by a mobility-reducing injury or illness, the individual may make use of a cane or other type of mobility aid. Use of a mobility aid may allow an individual to remain active and thus maintain some amount of independence while convalescing, for example. In some instances, despite attempts to carry on with his or her lifestyle, some individuals may find limitations to activity; mobility aids may potentially provide enhancement of some activities, such as walking, for example. In addition, such aids may be permanently of use for individuals who may have a permanent disability, may have become less strong or may have becomes less well balanced, such as due to aging or any disease process, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Claimed subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, both as to organization and/or method of operation, together with objects, features, and/or advantages thereof, claimed subject matter may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description if read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual using an embodiment of a walking aid to traverse a flat surface;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual using an embodiment of a walking aid to traverse an inclining surface;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an individual using an embodiment of a walking aid to traverse a declining surface;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of a walking aid shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of a walking aid;

FIGS. 6 and 6A are a side and an isometric view of still another embodiment of a walking aid;

FIG. 7 is a side view of handles or grips used in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 6A;

FIG. 8 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a walking aid;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

FIGS. 10, 10A, 11, 12 and 13 are views of more embodiments of a walking aid.

Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout to indicate corresponding and/or analogous components. It will be appreciated that components illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some components may be exaggerated relative to other components. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and/or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. It should also be noted that directions and/or references, for example, up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and/or are not intended to restrict application of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and/or equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “one feature,” “one embodiment,” “an example,” “a feature,” “an implementation,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the feature, example, or embodiment is included in at least one feature, example, or embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one example,” “an example,” “in one implementation,” “an implementation,” “an embodiment,” or “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same feature, example, or embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples, features, or embodiments. The term “user” and “individual” may be used interchangeably herein. The term “spinal stenosis,” as used herein, may include any known and/or suspected condition involving the lumbosacral spine, or one or more adjacent structures, in which changing lumbosacral flexion and/or extension may affect spinal nerve compression and/or position of any spinal structure, potentially resulting in local, nerve induced, and/or other symptoms. The term “arthritis,” as used herein, may include any known and/or suspected condition involving damage, pain, and/or inflammation of one or more joints of the body, such as shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and so forth.

A walking aid, for example, may be used by the infirm, the elderly, or other individuals who might benefit from support, proper body positioning, balance, comfort, or any other assistance that may be provided by an external support device. If an individual is affected by certain conditions that may restrict mobility, such as spinal stenosis, as an example, an individual may make use of a walking aid, such as a cane, or similar structure, to position the lower back so as to maintain a reasonably comfortable angle, such as if walking. In other instances, such as if an individual is affected by an arthritic condition that affects one or more joints, such as of the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and/or neck, an individual may make use of a walking aid to position one or more joints at a reasonably comfortable angle. In other instances, such as if an individual is affected by a neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease, a stroke, or other neurologic condition, it may potentially affect balance and/or stability. Thus, an individual may make use of a walking aid to enhance an ability to walk in a stable and/or comfortable manner. Walking aids may be available from a variety of manufacturers such as, for example, Carex Health Brands at 600 Cordwainer Drive, Norwell, Mass. 02061.

For some individuals, use of a walking aid, such as if used over relatively flat terrain, for example, may allow an individual to engage in various activities despite having one or more of a variety of ailments, such as, for example, those previously discussed, that may affect mobility and/or comfort. Thus, an individual may, for example, reasonably comfortably use an aid, e.g., walking aid, to engage in walking, shopping, and so forth. A walking aid, such as a cane, for example, may permit an individual to maintain balance, stability, and/or body position. Body position, for example, may comprise a particular angle of the lower back, and/or a particular angle of one or more joints, such as the elbows, knees, hips, neck, shoulders, and so forth. This may allow an individual to potentially experience at least some level of independence and/or comfort, which may be of benefit to an individual's self-esteem, confidence, and/or overall well-being. For example, if mobility may be impaired by disorders of the lumbar spine, including but not limited to spinal stenosis and/or related conditions, individuals may find at least some relief through use of a walking aid.

For example, use of a walking aid may enable an individual to walk with reasonable security and/or stability in a comfortable position along a flat surface, and/or improved balance with reduced risk of falls, for example. A walking aid may also allow an individual to assume a body position that produces less discomfort, as previously mentioned, and, thus, may enable the individual to walk from place to place potentially experiencing less soreness and/or other pain. See, for example, “Neurogenic Positional Pedal Neuritis,” by Stuart M. Goldman, published in Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, May/June 2003, Vol. 93, No. 3. It is noted that walking aids, such as canes or walkers, may have mechanisms for adjustment of height. This variation in height suggests that different people of different heights may benefit from support at different handle positions. However, as discuss more later, although a walking aid may be set for a particular height, customized to an individual, for walking over flat terrain for example, (referred to here as a standard handle height); nonetheless, during extended periods of walking, for example, it may produce less discomfort for a person to have an ability to shift body position or angle in some cases.

While a walking aid of suitable height may provide some relief to individuals walking over flat surfaces; traversing over sloping terrain, such as inclining or declining terrain, may in at least some situations still result in discomfort. For example, if traversing an incline (e.g., inclining terrain), such as walking up a hill, ramp, or other upwardly sloping surface, in which at least a portion of a walking aid may be elevated relative to the user, an individual, while using a walking aid, may be induced to a position, or may have the position of the back, or other joint, induced to maintain a different angle (e.g., referenced to a vertical direction, for example) than if the individual were traversing a relatively flat surface. This change in position and/or angle may potentially be less comfortable or may even in some cases produce discomfort. Similarly, if traversing a declining surface (e.g., declining terrain), such as walking down a hill, ramp, or other downward sloping surface, in which at least a portion of a walking aid may be lowered relative to a user, an individual may, also, in this circumstance, maintain a body position, for example, at different angle than if the individual were traversing a relatively flat surface, again, potentially producing less comfort and/or potentially resulting in discomfort or perhaps greater discomfort, for example. Under these circumstances, an individual may even, for example, experience distress brought about by positioning the lower back, for example, at an angle which may induce greater lumbosacral flexion while walking downhill or greater lumbar extension while walking uphill, again, potentially resulting in discomfort or potentially greater discomfort. In other instances, an individual with an arthritic condition, such as of the elbow, for example, may potentially experience distress brought about by extension of the elbow joint while walking downhill and/or flexion of the elbow joint while walking uphill. As suggested previously, in contrast, if walking over flat terrain for an extended period, an ability to change body position may produce comfort or less discomfort, since muscle fatigue or a similar consequence of maintaining a particular angle or body position over an extended period may result.

An embodiment of a walking aid, such as with handles at multiple heights, for example, may provide some relief in situations, such as these, for example. Without limitation, in one illustrative embodiment, a walking aid may include multiple (such as two or more) handle heights concurrently, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1. Multiple handles having varying heights available concurrently, for example, may permit an individual to reasonably easily shift hand position during use of a walking aid, which may be of benefit in a variety of situations. In this context, the term handle if used with reference to a walking aid refers to a grip or the like specifically designed for holding and/or clasping by one or more hands during use of a walking aid. It is likewise noted that the terms handle, grip, and/or similar terms may be used interchangeably herein unless use in a particular context suggests otherwise.

For example, if it is desirable to maintain body position relatively consistently, such as for example, spine position (e.g., relative to vertical), other body part position, and/or position of joints in the body, even if traversing terrain having a slope, such as an inclining or declining slope, for example, a walking aid with multiple handles may provide handles at appropriate heights so that body position may be reasonably maintained. Accordingly, an individual may reasonably comfortably traverse inclining or declining terrain, for example. Availability of handles of varying heights concurrently also may permit relatively easy adjustment of hand position or shifting of hand position, such as switching hands to other pre-positioned handles, while still walking, for example. Likewise, if over flat terrain, it may be desirable to shift body position due to fatigue, for example, as previously discussed. Availability of multiple handles may therefore permit a change in body position without letting go of the walking aid, again, while walking, such as through a shifting of hand position, for example.

For individuals with spinal stenosis, for example, at least some relief from discomfort or even greater comfort may occur by maintaining a particular lower back position and/or angle while holding the handle of a walking aid, such as, maintaining the lower back at an angle that at least roughly accords with an angle (e.g., relative to a vertical) that corresponds to slight and/or a reasonable amount of comfortable lumbosacral flexion.

Appropriate position and/or angle may, for example, be determined by an Individual, with or without assistance from medical professional(s), caregiver(s), and/or durable medical equipment supplier(s), in setting a walking aid height and/or handle height. Appropriate height of walking aid handle(s) or grip(s) for an individual may be influenced by variety of factors, such as height of the individual, relative proportion of height of the legs to the overall height of the individual, length of the arms, amount of lumbosacral flexion to induce adequate opening of a central canal and/or lateral foramen and/or other factors. In other instances, appropriate height of a walking aid handle or grip may be influenced by a desire to maintain a particular angle of the elbow, or other joint such as the hips, knees, shoulders, and/or neck, for example. Furthermore, although an embodiment is shown and described later in which handle height is capable of adjustment, it is, of course, understood that claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to a particular approach or mechanism for accomplishing handle height adjustment. Nonetheless, as suggested, the embodiment described above, for example, and other embodiments described below, for example, may allow use on flat terrain as well as terrain that may include uphill or downhill angulation for individuals afflicted with spinal stenosis or other condition(s) in which particular lumbosacral position and/or particular relative position of joints has benefit, or in which a person's balance and/or feeling of security may be helped by availability of a variety of handle heights on a walking aid. For example, as discussed, having multiple handle heights may allow a person to switch handle height and thus body position, if he or she were to got tired and/or simply want to change body position, even if traversing flat surface, for example.

A recommended position for use of a walking aid according to standard physical therapy or physiatry recommendations for those afflicted with spinal stenosis, for example, may include bending the arms at approximately 15°-30° while standing in an erect position. See, for example, among other sources, the following:

-   http://www.djmaccanes.com/CaneMeasuring.html, -   http://www.livestrong.com/article/79926-determine-correct-height-walking-canes/,     Inducing lumbosacral flexion in patients with spinal stenosis,     arthritic conditions, and/or neurological conditions that may affect     balance and/or stability, and/or related disorders, may provide     benefits in terms of at least partial relief, such as from     discomfort. Some individuals with spinal stenosis, for example, may     benefit from using a walking aid whose handles are set at a height     that would induce a lumbosacral flexion position while the     individual's arms are held reasonably straight. It may be desirable     for arms to be reasonably straight while a person is in an     appropriate lumbosacral flexion since flexing arms and/or shoulders     while in a flexion position may result in tiredness that may limit     activity and/or may induce shortness of breath, for example.

For spinal stenosis, for example, or other conditions, of course, a walking aid handle height may be sized substantially according to aspects related to particulars of the body of an individual user. Factors such as relative proportion of leg height to overall height, length of arms, amount of lumbosacral flexion, for example, to induce adequate and/or comfortable mobility, etc. may be used in determining an approximate height for a walking aid if being used to traverse a flat surface. However, individuals with spinal stenosis, for example, using a walking aid to improve gait may report an inability to walk comfortably on hills, whether going uphill or downhill, at such a height. A possible reason for this is that walking aid handle(s) may become several centimeters higher or lower than previously positioned in relationship to position of an individual traversing flat terrain with the particular walking aid. If going up a hill, a walking aid handle height may be higher. If going down a hill, a walking aid handle height may be lower. Thus, a desired amount of lumbosacral flexion, as an example, may no longer be induced. As alluded to previously, if going up a hill, to obtain a desirable position, a person may flex arms and/or shoulders, which may induce discomfort and/or potentially result in cardiovascular strain, for example. In other instances, if going uphill, a person may not change arm and/or shoulder positions, thus potentially eliminating or reducing a beneficial lumbosacral position, also potentially resulting in spinal or lower extremity symptoms, which may likewise include discomfort.

Likewise, if going down a hill, walking aid handle height may be lower than it would be over flat surface, in relation to position of an individual. To hold onto a walking aid may therefore induce greater lumbosacral flexion, for example, and may thus potentially induce discomfort, such as back pain and/or increased lower-extremity neurogenic symptoms. Likewise, an unstable feeling with partial loss of balance while walking may also occur, such as a feeling of stooping to maintain contact with a walking aid.

Standard walking aids are typically not constructed in a manner to permit changes in handle height easily, especially for those with less dexterity and/or upper body flexibility and/or strength, such as the elderly. For example, typically removal of a bolt or other fastener may be involved to change handle height. Even walking aids that permit changing height of a handle without removing a bolt may present a challenge. Typically, to change handle height involves letting go to reach down to a mechanism on a pole or shaft of a walking aid, which may be approximately 20.0 cm (approximately 8.0 inches) inches below the handle, for example. Reaching down may involve extensive back bending, which may produce potential discomfort, and/or may adversely affect stability. Further, even if adjustment may be made less cumbersome and/or easier to accomplish, accuracy of choosing a proper position, or restoring a beneficial position, might be a challenge, such as for elderly persons, for example.

According to one illustrative implementation, as discussed herein, a walking aid, such as a cane, may comprise a pole and at least two handles or grips; although claimed subject matter is not limited in scope illustrative embodiments or implementations, of course. In an embodiment, handles or grips of a two-handled walking aid may be separated in elevation by approximately 2.5 centimeters and/or approximately 20.0 cm centimeters so as to allow an individual to adjust his or her lower back, elbow, hip, knee, neck, or other joint to comfortably position themselves if traversing a sloping (e.g. inclining or a declining) surface, for example. In another implementation, a walking aid, such as a cane, may comprise three handles or grips. For example, without limitation, a first handle or grip may be separated in elevation from a second handle or grip by approximately between 2.5 centimeters and/or approximately 8.0 centimeters. A second handle or grip may be separated from a third handle or grip by similar amounts in an embodiment. Separation between adjacent handles or grips, however, need not be equivalent or proportional in an embodiment. Separation in elevation may, for example, allow an individual to maintain his or her lower back at a reasonable comfortable angle (e.g., referenced to a vertical direction) if traversing over relatively flat surfaces, inclining (e.g. rising) surfaces, and/or declining (e.g. downwardly sloping) surfaces.

In certain implementations, one or more handles or grips used in association with a walking aid, such as a cane, may be separated in elevation and/or oriented at consistent or at different angular increments about a central axis of a supporting pole, for example, as illustrated later. In certain implementations, handles or grips of a walking aid may be separated in a lateral direction, perhaps by distances of approximately between approximately 3.0 centimeters and approximately 5.0 centimeters, for example. Further, although FIGS. 1-13 illustrate walking aids, such as canes, having two or three grip elevations, possible implementations may include walking aids having additional handles, such as four handles, five handles, six handles, or any other clinically useful number of handles, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect, as further discussed.

FIG. 1 is a side view 100 illustrating an individual using an embodiment 20 of a walking aid, as further discussed. In FIG. 1, user 10 may be seen using walking aid 20, traversing in a +y direction over a relatively flat surface, where y represents a distance along a direction illustrated by the y axis in the figure. In an implementation, such as the example of FIG. 1, walking aid 20 may comprise three handles, which may accommodate a user traversing a flat surface or an inclined surface, for example, such as the surface shown in FIG. 2. Again, although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, for convenience, the walking aid embodiment of FIG. 1, for example, is intended to enable user 10 to manipulate the walking aid using handles positioned at various heights, as alluded to previously and described in more detail later. Likewise, although embodiments are provided as illustrative examples, claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to details of a particular mechanism or approach for accomplishing handle height adjustment. Varieties of approaches are possible and intended to be included within claimed subject matter.

In an implementation, a lower handle or grip and an upper handle or grip may be approximately separated in elevation by, for example, approximately 5.0 centimeters to approximately 8.0 centimeters. However, in other implementations, a lower handle or grip and an upper handle or grip may be approximately separated in elevation by, for example, approximately 4.0 centimeters to approximately 20.0 centimeters. However, it should be noted that some implementations may employ handles or grips separated in elevation by other amounts, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 2 is a side view 200 of an individual using an embodiment 20 of a walking aid. In FIG. 2, user 10 is shown using a lower handle or grip of walking aid embodiment 20 to traverse an inclining surface in a forward (+y) direction. In traversing an inclined surface, user 10 may maintain a body position, such as lower back, spine, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or neck, for example, in a reasonably comfortable position by shifting handles, as illustrated in comparison with FIG. 1, for example. Furthermore, walking aid embodiment 20, e.g., a walking cane, is illustrated in FIG. 2 as higher along a vertical direction z in comparison with the individual pictured in FIG. 2 relative to embodiment 20 and the individual of FIG. 1, for example.

FIG. 3 is a side view 300 of an individual using embodiment 20 of a walking aid. In FIG. 3, walking aid embodiment 20, comprising three handles or grips, may be seen as lowered relative to user 10 along a vertical direction z, again, in comparison with FIG. 1, for example. Accordingly, as user 10 traverses a declining surface, user 10 may make use of a handle or grip positioned at a higher elevation than other handles or grips of walking aid 20. While in contact with an elevated handle or grip, a body position, such as a lower back or other portion of user 10, may be maintained at a reasonably comfortable angle (e.g., referenced to a vertical direction).

FIG. 4 is a side isometric view of an embodiment 400 of a walking aid. Embodiment 400 corresponds to the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-3, for example. In an implementation, three handles or grips may be formed as a unitary structure integrated into a single supporting pole, for example, although, of course, claimed subject matter is not limited in scope in this respect. Again, claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments provided for illustration purposes, such as these. Handles or grips 310 and 315 of walking aid 320 may be oriented at a reasonably consistent angular increment (e.g., approximately 120 degrees) or different angular increments (e.g., approximately 90 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 150 degrees). Rather, any set of angles, such as φ₁ degrees and φ₂ degrees, respectively, relative to handle or grip 305 may be employed. It is noted that a third angle in this example would comprise: 360 degrees minus (φ₁ degrees and φ₂ degrees).

For example, handles or grips may be separated by a reasonably consistent angular increment. Accordingly, a second or handle grip, such as handle or grip 315 of walking aid 320, may be separated from a first handle or grip by approximately 120 degrees (e.g., (φ₁ equals approximately 120 degrees). Additionally, a third or handle grip, such as handle grip 305, may be separated from a first handle or grip, such as handle grip 310, by approximately 120 degrees (e.g., (φ₂ equals approximately 120 degrees). In another example, handles or grips may be separated by different increments in angle. Accordingly, a second handle or grip of walking aid 320 may be separated from a first handle or grip by approximately 90 degrees, and a third or handle grip may be separated from a first handle grip by approximately 180 degrees, just to name an example. It should be noted, however, that in other implementations handles or grips may be separated by other angular increments, such as approximately 75 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, approximately 105 degrees, as yet another example, and claimed subject matter is not limited to these examples. Any set of angles may be employed and is included within claimed subject matter.

Also, while here three handles are illustrated, likewise, a walking aid in accordance with claimed subject matter is also not limited to three handles, of course. In the event that additional handle or grip elevations are desired, such as four handles or grips, handles or grips may be separated by, for example, approximately 90 degrees. In the event that, for example, five handle or grip elevations are desired, handles or grips may be separated by, for example, approximately 72 degrees. However, again, instead, in an embodiment employing more than three handles, for example, different angle increments may also be employed.

FIG. 5 is a top view looking down on an embodiment 500 of a walking aid. In the implementation of FIG. 5, angle φ₄₃ here separates first handle or grip 410 from second handle or grip 420 by at least approximately 20.0 degrees, for example. Angle φ₄ here separates first handle or grip 410 from third handle grip 430. In some implementations, as previously explained, handles or grips 410, 420, at 430 may be oriented at approximately consistent increments around a pole, such as 440, such as by approximately 120-degree increments, for example. In another implementation, five handles or grips may be oriented at, for example, approximately consistent increments of approximately 72 degrees. In another implementation, in which, for example, two handles or grips may be present, handles or grips may be oriented at, for example, approximately 180-degree increments. However, in other implementations handles or grips may be separated by other angular increments, such as different angular increments rather than consistent angular increments.

FIGS. 6 and 6A are views of an embodiment 600 shown from two sides. FIG. 6A is an isometric view, whereas the side view of FIG. 6 is looking directly into the handles from the side. Although three handles or grips are shown in FIG. 6, some implementations may make use of fewer grips, such as, for example, two grips. Other implementations may make use of three or more handles or grips, and claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular number of handles or grips, as previously indicated.

Although claimed subject matter is not limited in scope in this respect, in the implementation of FIG. 6, handles or grips 510 and 530 comprise L-shaped pieces, such as illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, that are capable of being attached to a pole, such as 525, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, in this example, using hexagonal bolts, such as bolt 534. Although FIG. 6 shows two bolts 534, any number and/or type of attaching and/or fastening mechanism, including additional bolts, spot welding, and so forth may be employed. Thus, a host of approaches are possible to attach and/or fasten a handle or grip and claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to any particular approach. As shown in FIG, 6, for example, handle or grip 520 may, as shown, be integrated into a pole, such as 525, but this is not a requirement, of course.

Handle or grip 510 or 530 of FIG. 7 is illustrated as L-shaped, for example; however, again, claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to an L-shape. For example, another angle other than 90 degrees may be employed and/or curved attachments may be employed rather than relatively straight ones, as illustrated. Referring to examples 510 and 530 of FIG. 7, it is noted that the portion containing stripes (the stripes being oriented at an angle) in this particular embodiment form the handles. In an implementation, spacers 532 may, at least in part, provide separation, such as approximately 2.0 cm, between handles or grips 510, 520, and 530, for example. Separation of handles or grips may reduce a possibility of interference with handles or grips 510 and/or 530 if, for example, a user grasps handle or grip 520, for example. In an implementation, adjacent handles or grips may be separated laterally, for example, approximately in the range from approximately 1.75 to approximately 5.0 centimeters in a lateral direction, although claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

Handles or grips 510 and 520 may be separated in elevation by a distance d₁, which, for example, may be approximately in the range from between approximately 4.0 centimeters to approximately 8.0 centimeters. However, in other implementations, handles or grips may be separated in elevation by a different distance, such as, for example, approximately in the range from between approximately 4.0 centimeters to approximately 20.0 centimeters. Claimed subject matter is, however, not limited in scope to a particular amount of separation. Handles or grips may in this example embodiment be adjusted in elevation by inserting one or more bolts, such as bolt 534, into one or more holes, such as holes 526, through pole 525. Distance d₂, also shown in FIG. 6, may comprise a distance approximately equal to d₁, for example, such as approximately in the range from between approximately 4.0 centimeters to approximately 20.0 centimeters. In an implementation, a combined distance from a handle or grip 510 to handle or grip 530 (e.g., d₁+d₂) may comprise a distance approximately in the range from between approximately 6.0 centimeters to approximately 40.0 centimeters, although, again these are non-limiting illustrative examples.

FIG. 7 is a side view of embodiments of handles or grips used in embodiment 600 and 600A of a walking aid. In an implementation, handle or grip 510 may be fastened to pole 525 of FIG. 6, for example, to form a walking aid comprising a first handle or grip positioned at an elevation higher than a second handle or grip of a walking aid. Handle or grip 530 may be fastened to pole 525 of FIG. 6, for example, to form a walking aid comprising a handle or grip positioned at an elevation lower than one or more handles or grips of a walking aid.

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment 800 of a walking aid. In an implementation, a central shaft or pole 825 is shown as rising upwards from a base before curving to the left starting at 811. At a vertex 812, an attachable handle or grip 830 (shown in FIG. 9) may be seen as being capable of being inserted into an opening of pole 825 to receive the attachable handle, for example. Approximately elevated from handle or grip 830 in the range from approximately 2.5 centimeters to approximately 7.5 centimeters, an opening for an attachable handle 820 (shown in FIG. 9) may be seen as being capable of being inserted into an opening of pole 825 to receive the attachable handle, for example. Approximately elevated from handle or grip 820 in the range from approximately 2.5 centimeters to approximately 7.5 centimeters, an opening for an attachable handle 810 (shown in FIG. 9) may be seen as being capable of being inserted into an opening of pole 825 to receive the attachable handle, for example. In an implementation, handles or grips 830, 820, and 810 may comprise a threaded member that is capable of being inserted into a mating opening of pole 825. FIG. 9 is a perspective view 900 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 with handles attached, e.g., handles or grips 830, 820, and 810 in this particular embodiment. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple mating openings may be positioned on a pole in a variety of arrangements and claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to a particular arrangement. For example, distance between handles could be adjustable by providing additional openings. Likewise, another side of the pole, here pole 825, may include additional openings at a variety of spacing separations. Thus, for example, an embodiment may include more than three handles, such as five, as merely an example, while providing adequate space between handles, for example.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment 1000 of a walking aid. In FIG. 10, handles or grips 930, 920, and 910 are shown as part of a multi-handled walking aid having an “S” shape configuration. In an implementation, handles or grips 910, 920, and 930 may be separated in elevation approximately in the range from approximately 2.5 centimeters to approximately 7.5 centimeters, for example. Further, it is contemplated that, at least in some implementations, handles or grips 930, 920, and 910 are separated laterally as well as in elevation in a manner that precludes or at least reduces risk of interference from placement of adjacent handles. For example, handle or grip 930 may be positioned directly above pole 925, and handle or grip 920 may be positioned elevated with respect to and laterally offset from handle or grip 930. Handle or grip 910 may be positioned elevated with respect to, and laterally offset from, handle grip 920. Alternately, handle 920 may be directly above pole 925, which may include openings to receive handle attachments for height adjustment, and handle 910 may be offset, for example, approximately 2.5 cm or any other distance, and handle 930 may be offset a similar distance, in an opposing direction, or any other variation of position. Thus, although not shown, openings may be included for height adjustment. Furthermore, claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to a particular elevation or offset between handles. A host of possible arrangements are clearly possible and included within claimed subject matter. Likewise, any one of a host of other shapes other than an S shape may be employed and be included within claimed subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment 1100 of a walking aid. In FIG. 11, central shaft or pole 1040 includes a button 1015 that permits base portion 1005 to slide within pole 1040. Button 1015 may comprise a mechanical mechanism by which base portion 1005 may be secured in place relative to pole 1040. However, any one of a host of approaches is possible and intended to be included within claimed subject matter. In other implementations, for example, a motor-driven screw or worm gear may be used in association with a control device, such as a rocker switch, that may permit extension and retraction of base portion 1005 within central shaft or pole 1040. In still another embodiment, handle or grip height may be adjusted, for example with a spring or similar mechanism. For example, a handle may be raised or lowered in 1 inch increments and engaged or disengaged via a latch, for example, that may be capable of moving in and out of one of the holes to thereby secure or release a particular handle height. For example, holes may be in a pole attachment and a latch may be engaged or disengaged by pushing a spring-loaded latch integrated into a pole, as one illustrative example. However, many other adjustment approaches are possible and, again, claimed subject matter is intended to cover a variety of approaches. For example, an embodiment in which a height adjustment is not necessarily incremental may be employed. A sleeve capable of tightening around a pole at a desired height may be employed, for example. It is also noted that FIG. 11 includes handle straps as well, although, again, this is illustrative and claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to have handle straps.

Near a top portion of pole 1040, handles or grips 1010, 1020, and 1030 are illustrated as stemming from the pole. Handles or grips 1010, 1020, and 1030 are capable of being positioned at different respective heights relative to base portion 1005, although it is noted that the figure is not drawn to scale. In at least one implementation, handles or grips 1010, 1020, and 1030 are separated by for example, approximately 120 degrees, although, as previously discussed, a variety of angular increments may be employed.

FIG. 12 is a side view of still another embodiment 1200 of a walking aid. In FIG. 12, handles or grips 1120, 1130, 1140, and 1150 are positioned at differing heights relative to base portion 1110. Handles or grips may be positioned along four cardinal axes (e.g., left, right, directly in front, and directly behind) base portion 1110. Handles or grips may be affixed or fastened to base portion 1110 by way of a diagonally extending support that couples handles or grips to the base portion. In a manner that accords with FIG. 11, button 1115 may be used to secure an upper portion of walking aid 1200 to base portion 1110.

FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another embodiment 1300 of a walking aid. In FIG. 13, handles or grips 1220, 1230, 1240, and 1150 are positioned at differing heights relative to base portion 1210. Handles or grips are also positioned along four cardinal axes (e.g., left, right, directly in front, and directly behind) base portion 1210; however, in this example embodiment, handles are coupled together to form a single geometrically closed form unit using strut attachments between handles, for example. An advantage of such an embodiment, for example, includes that it allows additional handles, simply by changing shape, such as from square to pentagon, or from pentagon to hexagon, etc. Handles or grips may be affixed or fastened to base portion 1210 by way of a diagonally extending support that couples handles or grips to the base portion, as shown. Again, a button, for example, may be used to secure an upper portion of a walking aid to a base portion.

In other embodiments, one or more handles may be used in which multiple holding position, multiple angular orientations and/or multiple heights may result. For example, a handle embodiment may comprise a configuration in which a handle may swivel, may be capable of being locked into multiple angular positions, may retract, may fold or unfold, and/or may slide along a pole to various points capable of being locked. In other embodiments, a host of other arrangements may, in effect, allow positioning of a handle at multiple handle heights, such as for traversing over hilly (e.g., inclining and/or declining) terrain, for example.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method of using a walking aid is described. For example, an individual may walk with arm sufficiently straight or in any other comfortable position, and with walking aid handle height adjusted to accommodate a walking position, e.g., with arm in a reasonably comfortable or supportive position for that individual so as to roughly maintain a body position. In implementations, a reasonably comfortable position may include inducing sufficient lumbosacral flexion (and/or body position), which may result in at least partial relief for spinal stenosis and/or related disorders, such as if traversing terrain having a slope, in comparison with the angle that would be induced during use to traverse terrain that is relatively flat, for example. Of course, the sloping terrain may include an inclining slope or a declining slope. For an inclining slope, for example, in an illustrative embodiment that may include multiple handles, an adjustable handle height may comprise a handle height below a height used for traversing relatively flat terrain, such as previously described as a standard handle height, for example. It is noted, as previously described, for example, walking may comprise traversing from inclined sloping terrain to relatively flat terrain, as an example, without completely letting go of a walking aid, providing a potential benefit to a user, for example. Likewise, for a declining slope, in an illustrative embodiment that may include multiple handles, an adjustable handle height may comprise a handle height above a height used for traversing relatively flat terrain, such as previously described as a standard handle height, for example. Again, it is noted, walking may comprise traversing from declined sloping terrain to relatively flat terrain without completely letting go of a walking aid, providing a potential benefit to a user, for example.

Thus, although particular illustrative embodiments are described, it is intended that this specification and claimed subject matter be interpreted reasonably broadly. For example, claimed subject matter is believed to include a walking aid such as a cane with multiple handle heights to allow maintenance of comfortable spine position if going up or down inclines or declines. Multiple handle heights may allow maintenance of a more comfortable spine position by switching level of handle support, for example. Also, included in claimed subject matter is a walking aid such as a cane with multiple handle heights to allow maintenance of comfortable position of any restricted or pathologic body part for use of going up or down inclines or declines. Likewise, a walking aid with two or more handles, such as a cane, in which any variation of attachment is included, such as by welding, bolts, latches or any other fixed or temporary attachment, is intended to be included within claimed subject matter. Thus, for example, an embodiment may include slots or other temporary attachment mechanism in a primary handle or pole, for example, to accept additional handles, if desired. Furthermore, another embodiment may include two or more handles attached permanently or temporarily to a walking aid such as a cane, in which the handles may be individually attached to the pole or attached to one another, but not necessarily attached to the pole. Likewise, one more embodiment may include two or more handles being included in the design of a walking aid such as a cane, whereby alteration of shape of a single structure may allow multiple handle positions of support. Still another embodiment, two or more handles may be attached permanently or temporarily to a walking aid such as a cane, with attachment to the pole being adjustable. In still one more embodiment may include two or more handles on a walking aid such as a cane to allow alteration of body position, at the desire of a user, for any reason. Likewise, in an embodiment, handle position may be adjusted by a mechanism included as part of a handle. This may include, but is intended to not be limited to, any particular physical mechanism that would allow shifting of position and/or any particular electronically power mechanism that would allow shifting of position, such as via a control within or near the handle, for example. Thus, claimed subject matter is intended to include embodiments of a walking aid with multiple handles at different heights that would allow an individual to select appropriately a desired handle height to accommodate and/or facilitate reasonably comfortable spine position, such as if going up or down an incline or a decline, for example.

While there has been illustrated and/or described what are presently considered to be example features, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that various other modifications may be made and/or equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from one or more central concept(s) described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to particular examples disclosed, but that claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within appended claims and/or equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a walking aid including two or more handles positioned so that switching handles during use permits assuming or maintaining a more comfortable body position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said two or more handles are positioned so that switching handles during use permits maintaining a comfortable body position over sloping terrain.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said sloping terrain comprises a declining slope or an inclining slope.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said walking aid comprises a height adjustable walking aid.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said two or more handles are positioned so that switching handles during use permits assuming a more comfortable body position over flat terrain.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said walking aid comprises three handles.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said three handles include a handle positioned for relatively flat terrain, a handle positioned for terrain of declining slope, and a handle positioned for terrain of inclining slope.
 8. An apparatus comprising: a walking aid including multiple handles positioned at multiple heights so as to roughly maintain a lumbosacral spinal position so as to provide at least partial relief for spinal stenosis during use to traverse terrain having a slope in comparison with use if there were one handle height.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said walking aid comprises a height adjustable walking aid.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said slope of said terrain comprises an inclining slope.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said slope of said terrain comprises a declining slope.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said walking aid comprises three handles.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said three handles comprise a handle positioned for relatively flat terrain, a handle positioned for terrain that has a declining slope, and a handle positioned for terrain that has an inclining slope.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said walking aid is configured in an “S” shape.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said handles comprise threaded members that are inserted into a mating opening of a pole.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a walking aid including at least two separate handles positioned differently to permit a shift in body position during use of said walking aid by switching between handles of said walking aid.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least two separate handles comprise position adjustable handles.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said position adjustable handles include being adjustable in height and/or angle.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said walking aid comprises more than at least two separate handles.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said walking aid comprises a walking cane.
 21. An apparatus comprising: at least one additional handle capable of attachment to a walking aid including an integrated handle; said at least one additional handle capable of attachment so as to be positioned differently relative to said integrated handle to permit a shift in body position during use of said walking aid by switching between the two handles.
 22. A method comprising: using a multi-handled walking aid comprising shifting body position during use of said walking aid by switching between handles of said walking aid.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said walking aid comprises a walking case.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein said multi-handled walking aid comprises three handles at different heights; wherein shifting comprises shifting to a lower handle if traversing from flat to inclined terrain.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein said multi-handled walking aid comprises three handles at different heights; wherein shifting comprises shifting to a higher handle if traversing from flat to declined terrain. 